Homes plan wins approval (From Gazette & Herald)

Homes plan wins approval

COUNCILLORS have given the green light to a housing development despite objections from local residents.

Last night Ryedale District Council planning committee approved an application by Lindrick Homes to build 16 affordale houses and flats on greenfield land between Feversham Drive and Piercy End, New Road, in Kirkbymoorside,

People living near the proposed site voiced strong objections on the grounds of noise nuisance and increased traffic.

One resident wrote that he feared the affordable flats would be "let sooner or later to either drug-dealers, noisy perpetual drunkards, or other trouble makers and associated wasters".

Despite the concerns, members of the planning committee decided that the application was in keeping with its affordable housing policy, which aims to ease problems faced by local people wanting to become homeowners.

"Most of the people without a home of their own have no chance of getting on the housing ladder in Ryedale and have to move elsewhere, leaving an ageing population and communities which are not self-sustaining for the long term," said Coun Keith Knaggs.

Residents also raised concerns about the close proximity of the development to their homes. Officers said there was sufficient space between the houses not to cause excessive overshadowing or infringement on their privacy.

In response to fears about undesirable people taking residence in the flats, officers said the affordable housing policy contained a clause that allowed selective nomination rights, so that only an approved housing association could handle the leasing of the property.

But Coun John Roper pointed out that the nomination rites only applied for the first tenant, leaving no control over subsequent tenants.

Chris Patmore, director of Lindrick Homes, said: "We are delighted that the scheme has won council support.

"Existing residents can feel reassured that we will be providing a quality development in keeping with the surroundings. We hope to start work in the spring."

Updated: 12:18 Wednesday, October 15, 2003